As manufacturers and logistics operators accelerate investment in automation to address labour shortages, improve efficiency, and build more resilient supply chains, AGV Expo – taking place 22nd–24th October 2026 at Piacenza Expo in Italy – will bring together the technologies and expertise shaping the future of automated logistics.
Mediapoint & Exhibitions has announced the launch of AGV Expo, Europe’s first tradeshow dedicated exclusively to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and automated logistics technologies.
Scheduled for 22nd–24th October 2026 at Piacenza Expo in Italy, the event has been created in response to the rapid growth of automation across manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, software developers, systems integrators, and end users.
AGV Market Growth Creates Demand for a Dedicated European Exhibition
The launch comes as automated logistics moves from a specialist engineering discipline into mainstream industrial investment. According to Research Nester, the global AGV market was over 3.23 bn USD in 2025 and is projected to reach 8 bn USD by 2035. Meanwhile, Mordor Intelligence expects the European market to increase from 1.87 bn USD in 2026 to more than 3.12 bn USD by 2031, representing annual growth of approximately 10.8%.
“The automated logistics sector has reached a level of maturity where its own dedicated European platform is needed. AGVs and autonomous mobile robots are no longer niche technologies; they are becoming strategic investments for companies looking to improve efficiency, safety, and competitiveness,” said Fabio Potestà, Director of Mediapoint & Exhibitions.
The Driving Forces Behind the Growth of Automated Logistics
Manufacturers and logistics operators are facing increasing pressure to improve productivity, address labour shortages, and modernise existing operations.
According to research commissioned by Gi Group Holding, Europe faced a shortage of 1.1 million warehouse workers in Europe in 2024, with 75% of companies in the warehouse management sector experiencing difficulties with recruiting employees. AGVs and AMRs are helping companies automate repetitive and physically demanding material-handling tasks, helping companies redeploy employees towards supervision, optimisation, and higher-value operational activities.
At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, LiDAR navigation, machine vision, fleet management software, and wireless connectivity are making autonomous vehicles more capable, flexible, and commercially viable than previous generations.
From Factories to Ports and Airports: The Expanding Role of AGVs
While AGVs were traditionally associated with factory-floor applications, autonomous transport systems are increasingly being deployed across a much wider range of environments. Ports are adopting automated vehicles for container handling, while airports are increasingly deploying autonomous solutions for baggage and package logistics. These applications demonstrate how AGVs are moving beyond internal manufacturing processes to become part of wider supply chain infrastructure.
A Complete Ecosystem for Automated Logistics
AGV Expo is designed to showcase the complete ecosystem behind successful automation projects, rather than focusing solely on autonomous vehicles.
The exhibition will bring together manufacturers of AGVs and AMRs with the wider technology providers required to design, implement, and operate automated logistics systems. This includes navigation and control technologies such as LiDAR, machine vision, and SLAM, alongside fleet management software, warehouse management systems, industrial robotics, and systems integration expertise.
Visitors will also explore the supporting technologies that enable autonomous operations, including safety systems, sensors, industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, energy management solutions, batteries, and charging technologies. The event will demonstrate how these individual technologies work together to create connected, efficient, and scalable logistics operations.
Live Demonstrations Show Automation in Action
Rather than focusing solely on static displays, AGV Expo will allow exhibitors to showcase autonomous systems in action. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how AGVs, AMRs, and supporting technologies work together, helping them understand practical applications, integration challenges, and the operational benefits of automation.
Confirmed exhibitors include Smartlogistix, Sigma Motion, Proxaut, NEURA Mobile Robots, Morello, LCS Group, Durlast Italia, EKT Europe, and Gruppo TecnoFerrari.
Conference Programme Explores the Future of Automated Logistics
AGV Expo will additionally host a conference programme focused on the technologies, business models, and operational challenges shaping automated logistics. Sessions will examine topics including intralogistics automation, warehouse systems, industrial robotics, cybersecurity, regulatory developments, return on investment, and practical approaches to implementing automation. The programme will feature contributions from industry experts, technology providers, systems integrators, and professionals working across industrial automation and logistics.
A gala dinner will also bring together exhibitors, speakers, and industry stakeholders together for an evening of networking and discussion. Designed to encourage conversation beyond the exhibition floor and conference sessions, the event will provide an opportunity for attendees to share experiences, explore potential partnerships, and discuss the future of automated logistics in a relaxed setting.
Connecting Road Transport with Automated Intralogistics
AGV Expo 2026 will take place alongside the second edition of T3 Expo (Truck, Tyre & Trailer) reflecting the growing need for a more connected approach to logistics, bringing together professionals responsible for transporting goods and automating their movement within operational environments.
This co-location is particularly relevant for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial distribution, where specialist vehicles, temperature-controlled transport, and automated handling systems must work together to maintain efficient and reliable supply chains.
“Our ambition is to create the European meeting place for organisations developing and adopting automated logistics technologies,” Potestà concluded. “The future of logistics will depend on closer integration between vehicles, software, data, and people – and AGV Expo will provide a dedicated space for the entire supply chain to come together to share knowledge, explore innovation, and identify practical solutions for the challenges ahead.”
AGV Expo takes place 22nd–24th October at Piacenza Expo, Italy. Find out more or register for your free visitor pass at agvexpo.it.
